Last Sunday morning, Florida Fish and Wildlife officer Brandon Arroyo received a call he’ll never forget.
A neighbor in his Daytona Beach apartment complex had spotted something shocking inside the building’s trash compactor — a dog.
Arroyo and his wife, Heather Jones, rushed to the scene.
“Sure enough, there he was — this big black dog at the very bottom of the compactor,” Jones told The Dodo.
She’d seen heartbreaking rescue videos online before, but witnessing a dog in such danger in person was overwhelming. At first, they hoped maybe he’d gotten stuck by accident. But as they looked closer, it became clear — there was no way this could’ve happened on its own.
“He would’ve had to open the door and jump four and a half feet to get inside,” Jones explained. “And in the condition he was in … there was no chance he’d done that.”
Someone had deliberately thrown him away.
The couple’s first priority was earning his trust. Arroyo crouched near the frightened pup, offering treats and letting him get used to his scent. After a tense few minutes, the dog allowed Arroyo to lift him to safety.
Only then did the reality sink in — someone had abandoned him like garbage.
The pup was weak and dehydrated, his body thin from malnourishment. Thankfully, with food, water, and care, he quickly began to rebound. The couple named him Daytona after the city where his life was saved.
“In just four or five days, he’s made a huge comeback,” Arroyo said.
Beneath the fear, they discovered a loving, playful dog eager for affection.
“He’s definitely going to be the most loyal dog ever,” Jones shared. “You can just tell he’s so thankful to be safe. He’s very sweet and gentle.”
Support for Daytona poured in almost immediately. The Daytona Beach Police Department helped cover his medical needs and even surprised him with a visit, bringing food, toys, and supplies.
For now, Arroyo and Jones are fostering him through Pet Rescue By Judy, ensuring he gets everything he needs while he heals — body and heart alike. Whether he stays with them forever or finds another loving family, one thing is certain: Daytona will never be discarded again.
“The garbage is behind him,” Jones said. “From now on, it’s nothing but love.”
If you’d like to support Daytona’s recovery, you can donate to his GoFundMe here. Anyone with information about his past can reach out to the Daytona Beach Police Department — he also responds to the name Jax.
